From tequila tastings to Bloody Mary brunches and even a cocktail time machine, a packed events schedule is planned for Birmingham Cocktail Weekend running from July 15 to 17. It will play host to three days of exciting events, with drinks brands big and small teaming up with venues across the city.
Kicking off the weekend on Friday, headline sponsor Jim Beam will be hosting a tasting at The Jim Beam Hub at Island Bar, giving people a chance to taste the bourbon as they pick up their wristbands. Wristband wearers will also be able to sneak behind the bookcase in The Lost and Found and visit the exclusive Sipsmith Secret Garden and then head up the road to The Bureau, where they will be playing host to a Meet the Blends Masterclass from spirits specialist Maxxium UK. Other Friday events include The Bacardi Cocktail Time Machine at Gas Street Social, a Plymouth Gin Masterclass at The Jekyll & Hyde, and a Licor 43 tasting at Amantia.
Saturday sees Le Grand Day Out, where the Grey Goose team will be presenting four exciting serves using the French vodka at The Chameleon. The vodka vibe continues over at Chung Ying Central with a Tourunska and Goral vodka tasting, as well as a masterclass from Absolut Vodka at The Rose Villa Tavern. Absolut’s UK brand ambassador will even be stepping behind the bar at RVT for a “startender” shift.
For whisky lovers, The Victoria will be hosting a Whisky Lover’s Single Malts masterclass while new Japanese-inspired restaurant and bar Rofuto (pictured) on the 16th floor of the Park Regis hotel will be serving up a taste of Tokyo in a Suntory whisky tasting developed by The Food and Drink Events Company.
Wristband wearers can tread the boards and mix up some theatre-inspired cocktails at the New Alexandra Theatre, then head over to Hotel du Vin for a masterclass with Glenfiddich whisky. If tequila is your choice of tipple, Bodega will be hosting a session with Patron, including the concept of pairing food with tequila. There will also be some exclusive food offers from venues such as Rub Smokehouse and Chung Ying Central.
On Sunday, The Rose Villa Tavern is offering a free bloody Mary with every brunch. Sunday will also see The Botanist host its Boozy Brunch to get wristband holders refuelled ready to enjoy the final day of Birmingham Cocktail Weekend. Marmalade will be celebrating the last day with a Bols Genever and craft beer pairing session while Jim Beam will be at Buffalo and Rye for a Jim Beam Bourbon Family masterclass.
It is a second outing for the Birmingham Cocktail Weekend, founded and organised by Alex Nicholson-Evans. After 23 venues took part last year with 1,500 wristband wearers, this year is set to be even bigger with 30 bars, pubs and restaurants taking part.
Full event details can be found on the Birmingham Cocktail Weekend website at http://birminghamcocktailweekend.co.uk/, where wristbands are available to buy for £6. These wristbands will not only allow the wearer to enjoy the exclusive signature cocktail in each venue for just £4 but also grant access to all of the free tastings, masterclasses and events during the weekend.
